Private Developer Brought in to Friary Park Project

Catalyst announce new partner with plans to be submitted this year

Artist's impression of proposed redevelopment (from 2017)

Housing Association Catalyst, have brought in a developer as a partner in their redevelopment of the Friary Park estate in Acton.

Mount Anvil are a residential housing specialist who are also involved in the Riverside Studios development in Hammersmith.

Catalyst will continue to own Friary Park and manage the homes for rent and shared ownership.

If planning permission is granted all current Catalyst residents on Friary Park will have the option of being rehoused in the new development.

Consultations over the huge operation have been ongoing for the last 5 years but this latest move means a new planning application is expected to be submitted this year. Originally the proposals initially included a 20-storey tower at the centre of the development, at the last consultation residents say this was revised up to 29 storeys.

Now developers say the proposed buildings for Friary Park will range from 3-24 storeys and ''Sensitivity will be given to the neighbouring residents by stepping the building heights down to homes that border the site.''

The proposals include delivering fifty per cent affordable housing by what's described as 'habitable rooms', with current plans for around 930 mixed-tenure homes.

This includes the reprovision of all 225 homes for social rent alongside new shared ownership homes. There will also be more larger family homes, new commercial space, landscaped green spaces and 'an improved community facility'.

Catalyst say redevelopment of the estate is required given the existing conditions of the properties on the Estate. Consultations regarding the proposals have been ongoing since 2014.

Ian McDermott of Catalyst said: “Catalyst has been working with residents for some time to deliver modern, efficient new homes and a thriving neighbourhood at Friary Park. We are excited to be announcing our partnership with Mount Anvil, who will bring a wealth of design and construction experience to the redevelopment. We remain committed to providing good quality, affordable homes for our residents and are looking forward to introducing Mount Anvil to them.”

Killian Hurley of Mount Anvil said: “We look forward to working in partnership with Catalyst to create an outstanding place where people can thrive. Together we’re delivering better homes for Friary Park residents, creating quality mixed-tenure neighbourhoods, green spaces for the community and a legacy of skills for the local people.”

The partners will work together to continue developing the designs for Friary Park and will jointly submit a planning application to Ealing Council this year.

Catalyst and Mount Anvil will be exhibiting their most up-to-date proposals at a consultation event for the public on Monday 28 January 2019. They say the event will be an opportunity for stakeholders to give their feedback on the updated designs. The event is taking place at the Friary Park Community Centre, Joseph Avenue, Acton W3 6NL between 4:00pm-8:00pm.

16 January 2019 (updated)